Red Sox: Alex Cora’s to do list for the 2018 season

Alex Cora needs to make Christian Vazquez the everyday catcher.

Christian Vazquez was the Red Sox best catcher in 2017, both behind the plate and at the plate.

Vazquez slashed .290/.330/.404 last year in 99 games played. He was a much better hitter than Sandy Leon, and was an even better defensive catcher.

The Red Sox will need a backup catcher, and Leon can be that guy. But for now, it is time to hand the reins to Vazquez and let him take over full-time. Sure, there will be an occasional day off, but other than that, it needs to be all Vazquez.

Leon was used last year as a personal catcher for Sale, and if it had not been for that, he may not have played much down the stretch in 2017. Vazquez was hitting so well at some points that he would DH when Leon was catching.

It has been very difficult for the Red Sox to find one permanent catcher in recent years, but Vazquez could be that guy.

No, he may not be an All-Star. But he is an extremely serviceable catcher that could hit sixth or seventh for the Sox this year.

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If Cora can get Vazquez and Chris Sale on the same page, Vazquez should officially be the everyday catcher for the Red Sox next season.